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Porter Cable has announced a huge expansion to their 20V Max line of lithium ion-powered cordless power tools. They launched the new cordless platform earlier in the year, starting with the PCC600 drill/driver and PCC640 impact driver, and are adding 6 new tools to the product line.

As an aside, the drill/driver and impact driver combo kit (PCCK602L2) is currently on sale for just $149 at Lowes, which is a great deal for two solid-performing tools. The same combo is $180 via Amazon. Lowes’ sale price ends 8/27/13.

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Porter Cable 20V Max Linked System Expansion:

Reciprocating Tiger Saw

Circular saw (6-1/2″)

Cut-off Tool/Angle Grinder

Oscillating Multi-Tool

Jigsaw

Pivoting LED Flashlight

All of these new cordless tools will be sold as bare-tools, and a 4-tool combo kit will join the 2-tool drilling and driving combo kit that is already available.

In addition to the new power tools, a 20V Max 4.0Ah MaxPack battery pack (PCC685L) will soon be available as well. This is in addition to the 1.5Ah compact battery pack (PCC680L) that was launched alongside the drill/driver and impact driver.

First Impression

Looking over some of the images, it seems that the 20V Max tool designs were heavily derived from Porter Cable’s 18V NiCd and Li-ion cordless tools, with the Tiger Saw reciprocating saw perhaps being an obvious exception. Not that this would be a bad thing – I am quite fond of the 18V tools I have tried or personally own (such as my PC 18V cut-off tool) – but it’s not what I anticipated. I expected for the new tools to be all-new designs, but I suppose the design team had to start somewhere.

Price-wise, the new Porter Cable 20V cordless 4-tool combo is a bit higher than Ryobi’s ($239 vs. $189), and the bare tools are about comparably priced. The 20V bare tools are priced around the same as Porter Cable’s 18V tools, or at most $10 higher.

My initial take is that the Porter Cable 20V tools seem a bit DIY-ish, similar to how their 18V cordless tools are perceived. They’re dressed up in classic Porter Cable colors, but the brand will have to work hard to prove that the tools are bred for tough jobsite demands.

As of now it looks like Porter Cable will continue to support their 18V NiCd/Li-ion and 20V Max Li-ion product lines simultaneously.

When I spoke to the Porter Cable cordless tools product manager a few months ago, he presented a convincing argument that the 20V Max tools were jobsite-tough and every bit as professional-grade as other brands’ offerings. If you can work without some of the bells and whistles found in higher-priced tools, the new 20V Max tools might serve you well while leaving your wallet a little bit fuller. Whether this was all talk remains to be seen, but I didn’t feel like I was being fed marketing fluff.

I have known about Porter Cable’s planned 20V Linked System branding for some time, and hoped that the tools featured built-in sensors that worked out of the box with Stanley Guard tool inventory and access control systems or something similar. To my disappointment, Linked System is only a play on words – it appears that the branding simply refers to how the tools are designed around Li-ion battery technology (as opposed to NiCd and Li-ion as with Porter Cable 18V tools).

Reciprocating Tiger Saw PCC670B

14.5″ length

Weighs 4.4 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)

1″ Stroke length

0-3000 SPM

Tool-free blade changes

Pivoting shoe for consistent contact with workpieces

Bare tool comes with (1) 6″ wood-cutting blade

MSRP of $60

The new Tiger Saw is compact in size and relatively lightweight, and is designed for use in tight areas. Porter Cable says that it features a high performance drivetrain for high cutting performance in wood and metal materials.

6-1/2″ Circular Saw PCC660B

6-1/2″ blade size

2-1/8″ cutting capacity (at 90°)

50° adjustable shoe

3700 RPM

Weighs 7.2 lbs with 4.0Ah battery

On-board wrench storage

Bare tool comes with (1) 18T carbide-tooth blade

MSRP of $60

What I find interesting is that this saw is left-handed, as are many if not most cordless circular saws these days, while the 18V version is a right-handed saw. Unfortunately, the thin-looking baseplate looks to have been carried over from the 18V model.

Oscillating Tool PCC710B

Tool-free blade change system (but probably requires a hex key for when using other brands’ universal-fit accessories)

10,000 – 18,000 OPM

LED worklight

3-position overmold comfort grip

Bare tool comes with 20 accessories and accessory kitbox

MSRP of $70

If you plan to buy into the Porter Cable 20V Max system and don’t already own an oscillating multi-tool, this model offers an affordable point of entry. Runtime will probably be quite short unless you use it with a MaxPack 4.0Ah high capacity battery.

I have had good experiences with Porter Cable’s 18V grinder, and expect for the 20V model to perform equally as well, especially if paired with the higher capacity battery. It’s a decent model for cutting, grinding, and material removal applications.

What I especially like is that the 20V grinder also comes with cut-off and grinding guards right in the box. You can buy cutting wheels shaped to fit grinding guards, but using a cut-off wheel without a proper cutting guard increases the risk of bodily injury should the wheel fail and explode during use.

Jigsaw PCC650B

3/4″ stroke length

3 orbital settings

0-2500 SPM

Variable speed trigger

Tool-free blade release

Shoe bevels from 0° to 45°

Built-in dust blower

Contoured over-molded handle for comfort

Bare tool comes with (1) 4″ wood-cutting blade

MSRP of $60

The new jigsaw is designed for making precise, clean, and accurate cuts in a variety of wood, plastic, and metal materials.

Personally I like to use jigsaws with more solid-looking baseplates, but I also tend to work with more delicate materials.

Pivoting LED Flashlight PCC700B

(4) LEDs deliver 120 lumens of maximum brightness output

Pivoting head

MSRP of $25

This is a basic LED worklight that uses 4 LEDs instead of a more powerful (and expensive) single emitter, but it looks decent for the money. The head pivots from 0 to 90°, and with the battery installed you can place the flashlight on a flat surface for hands-free illumination,

The tools look sweet. I think they will do well for the diy or pro, and don’t be fooled by the bases on the jigsaw and circular saw they are pretty sturdy. I own both in the dark grey and they hold up well. I’m loving the recip saw it looks a lot nicer than the dark grey one and that one was pretty damm good the grips on these tools look like they will never slip out of your hands.

The saws’ base plates don’t look bad, just basic to me. Maybe even a little delicate. I would be happier if some of the components were beefed up and reinforced a bit, such as the bevel adjustment of the circular saw.

Im a cabinet installer i use the tools everyday monday throught friday . i have a total of 9 pieces. For the money is great… Plus these tools are different .when you go to a job site no one really has portal cable so i know nobody is going to get confused and walk off with any of my tools!!!

Thats odd because I`m an electrician and own all of these tools including the hammer drill with the exception of the jig saw and use them hard every single day and I couldn`t be happier. Of course I dont follow the fads so….Anyway, don`t be fooled by the dewalt gang people. These tools are awesome. They are lighter, and have just as much torque and awesome battery life, not to mention a superb warranty though Ive never had to use it. Great tools. I stand right beside the dewalt guys everyday and in fact, Ive had a few who have jumped aboard. FORGET paying three prices for a dewalt or Rigid tool ESPECIALLY when you have tools such as these out there. BUY THEM,…you will see

I agree, sounds like someone was misusing the tool for what it was designed – I’ve owned Dewalts & Milwaukee’s (Makita’s a bit over rated) so I’m happy w/the Porter Cable – Porter Cable been around the block forever, always made good stuff! Back in the 60’s when PC was also in the lawn & garden equipment they made a riding mower that’d do a 1/4 mile in 3.6 second’s – Okay, I fibbed, but it did have a good road gear. hee he – O me, back in the day when things were made here.
Also being in rental – well, lets just say, people can destroy a Bulldozer in a sand box! *especially if, they don’t own it!
No, I’m not affiliated w/Porter Cable in any way. For the price of the products & performance, thumbs up! Just need a bit more work time w/the battery’s but w/2 batt’s, it works!

I’m impressed with Porter cables offerings. Their lineup now seems near complete with the most popular cordless power tools being added. I like how they ditched the laser from the circular saw, as the laser gives the impression of DIY tool. Good choice on a LED light instead of the typical bulb or fluorescent.

The poster was sharing real-life feedback about a Porter Cable kit his friend purchased. It doesn’t matter if the battery cells are name-brand and top-quality if the battery pack is defective or performs poorly.

I know Porter Cable had problems with initial batches of 18V Li-ion battery packs a while back, but haven’t really heard of any issues about the 20V Max Li-ion battery packs.

Now people want to say the cells in the batteries are better here or there…. Such garbage talk. A Lithium battery is a lithium battery and ALL of the makers of these tools use cells from the same pile. I guess people have to convince their selves of things like this to excuse the fact of paying 3 prices for a tool. I`ll tell you just like I tell them everyday. I`ll take my 2.0 or 4.0 Portacable battery and any tool they choose and put them to the test. I actually had ONE guy who tried and it was exactly as expected. The batteries ran down almost simultaneously though the portacable did drill three more 1 1/4 inch holes after the dewalt had given up the ghost

Just saying, Dewalt and I believe all of S&D cells are all made by Sanyo, which are probably the one of better cells on the market used in power tools right now… The Dewalt does use I believe a higher quality cell then the porter cable but are still quite good

Interesting to see that the battery indicator is missing from all of these product images, while it is present on the drill and impact driver. Has anyone tried a Black and Decker Craftsman BoltOn 20V Max battery yet to check for comparability? All of those chargers look almost identical (except for color and brand name), I wonder also about DeWalt batteries though their charger looks a bit different.

Having seen the new Bostich power tools and their specs, I wonder how much longer the current Porter Cable corded power tools will exist? The Bostich tools look very similar to existing Porter Cable 18volt tools, and it is difficult to imagine where they fit in the SBD lineup and who would sell them. Perhaps an exclusive toHome Depot as a competitor to Lowe’s Porter Cable, but that would cut into Roybi’s product niche there. There is no reason for them to compete against PC at Lowes. Perhaps a Sears exclusive like the DeWalt mechanics sets?

I just hope these newer design pc tools are as tough as the older versions. Our commercial crews started running them somewhere around ’02 I believe and the amount of abuse they endured while still functioning properly everyday was unreal. Some of them you could hardly tell what it was with all the tar caked on them. I have personally witnessed one dropped from a third floor balcony and still kept going with the aide of some duct tape. So yeah, I really hope these 20 volters are “that” tough.

When are you going to make the 20v impact wrench? I sure want to buy one from Porter Cable. That is my tool of choice. instead of any of the other brand names that have these tools out there. Thank You very much

^^^^ Yes can we get the hammer drill please 20 volt hammer drill so I dont have to buy the 18 volt also or switch to another brand. I have the porter cable 3 amp multi tool its really nice… and I also have the 20 volt Dr ill and impact and recp saw havnt put any time ont them yet. . I will before the 90 days and if I dont like them I am getting the BL brushless xrp set or should I just do it anyways

Ok, alot of talk about comparing tools. From experience the nicad PC definitel sucks. You couldnt give me a set for free because then I would have to waste my time throwing them away. I started doing highrise electric signs 3 years ago, and thats what I started with. The bat lasted 3 months, and they dont charge in cold weather. I am a professional so i went out and bought professional grade tools “dewalt 20v”. Very very happy with the switch. However, a friend recently bought the PC 20v and I have to say”GOOD JOB”. They literally gave my Dewalt a run for their money. The only differance that was noticed was a little longer battery life on my dewalt. For the price differance, I could live with that. The only downside is that the tool lineup offered is very limited. Personally, I would like to see the 20v SDS and hammerdrill.

I know that this is an old thread and topic. But just an update for people looking for feedback…. I personally purchased the porter cable 20 volt drill impact and recepicating saw first in January 2014. Then about a month later the circular saw. I have had no problems with anything. I use them every day. Right next to brushless red drills and the big yellow 5 tool set. First the impact I love its great super strong good run time. Not the best run time but is snaps bit off putting backer board screws in all the time and they are impact ready bits at that. The drill is good I will not mix morter with it but anything else I use it. I have a few times but I prefer not to… the recepicating saw is good small and light. Easy blade change. The circular saw has cut anything I have needed it to. I think it is not as good as the dewalt 20v in some instances but not many by much but it could be the the battery. It has only happend once when cutting sub floor blade was burnt up from laminate flooring and the battery was about dead and I only have the 1.5 amp hour 20v have been looking for a review of the 4.0 and I have 3.0 for the dewalt set. So then it finished the cut. So I have used these tools for 7 full months 5 days a week and the have been great the magnets are the best idea ever… I can have different bits or my screws on my drill yes it really has came in handy so much more than I would ever imagined. I picked up this set so cheap new. I couldn’t pass it up but I have been super happy and its the set I carry every day and they have never let me down. Would I recommend these for everyone. Im not sure. But I have had a good experience with them. But for a valuable set that does 90 percent of what I need this is it. And i use the major brands have used and have them on the job about every day. Red green blue and yellow. But what my coworkers called my toys have now nothing to say for 1/3 to 1/2 the price. If the tools last as long as the batteries do. Ill be happy. … hope this helps and your results may vary.

Amen…. I dont follow the fads. Portacable tools are awesome. I actually hope people keep buying those dewalts so the price stays low on my tools. I also stand beside thoe yellow guys every day. As an electrician and a weekend carpenter, my tools take a pounding. Ive dropped them from ladders countless times and they keep on keepin on. Its funny how people follow fads. All of a sudden dewalt is the “only” tool to have. Very odd but very human indeed. What I really love is standing beside a dewalt guy with my tools while doing the same job and smokin their azzes. I never say a word until one makes a wise crack and then its on! Funny how they talk but never put the money where there mouths are. Ive never said dewalt tools were bad. Of course dewalt makes a great tool but so does PortaCable

I put the 20v quarter in driver to the test this summer drove trus locs through a triple lam till it over heated it impressed me so much i bought every 20v porter cable tool on the market . It would drive screws with great ease compared to dewalt makita n rigid 18v also on the job

WITH A LITTLE MODIFICATION, THE BLACK AND DECKER 20 VOLT LITHIUM AND THE PORTER CABLE 20 VOLT LITHIUM BATTERIES WILL INTERCHANGE. YOU HAVE TO NOTCH THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE BATTERY SLIDE STOPS ON THE BATTERIES. AFTER DOING THIS THE BATTERY CAN BE CHARGED IN EITHER CHARGER
YOU WILL HAVE TO CUT THE CORNER OF THE PORTER CABLE TOOL TO MATE THE BLACK AND DECKER BATTERY

I bought the 4 tool kit in October of ’14.
The drill and recip saw are fantastic tools.
The light (to me) is a gimmick, but, I have used it…. once.
The circular saw is VERY handy, but, the pivot bolt for the baseplate goes through plastic/polymer, and after using it for the THIRD time, this saw will NOT make a straight cut, or a 90° cut, due to the flexing of the saw at that pivot bolt.
I REALLY want to like the saw, but, I had to pay for some nice material when the saw cut/kerf ruined the material.
Porter Cable can either fix it or replace it. If they don’t, I may have to machine/mill a replacement piece out of aluminum.

Also, Steve Peters is 100% spot on, regarding B&D battery packs. Same pack, less $$$. $20.00 less for the same output.

Almost the same. The B and D batts are 1.3 ah, like the first run PC batts; the red PC batts are 1.5 or 4.0 ah. The Dewalt batts are the same internally with a different wiring scheme and slightly different lock-in profile, just like the black and decker. Makes sense, though: using the same stuff is a huge cost cutter for Stanley, after all. Make sure you can’t toss them into the wrong tools or chargers for safety, and you’re off.

Had these tools over 18 months ..I’m a contractor who does decks fences and metal roofs they perform better than the dewalt for a better price ..snaps bolts and bits using the impact ..run time is great and love the radio ..buy this if your a contractor ..I build a average of 3 decks a week and two fences ..probably 2 metal roofs a month

I’m gonna tell u what…..!!!! Porter is my last name and I never really liked anything PC but the pancake compressor. Black Friday 2015 I bought impact drill and multi tool. Ima tell u right now they r some bad to the bone tools and they r a dang good brand. I lay tile and hardwood so I lay a lot and I mean a lot of underlayment and durarock. We he put them to the test. It’s a good bang for the buck.

What you may not know is that Devilt, Black & Decker, Porter Cable and Bostich are all under the same company (I think that Stanley owns them now). I had several different brands over the years , Craftsman, Black & Decker and Porter Cable, for me a diy type, the Black & Deck firestorm (Ni-cad) and the Porter Cable (li-om) are my own personnel choice. The two craftsman burned out after a couple of years (ni-cad).

Will the battery modification mentioned in this thread allow me to use my porter cable 20 volt lithium batteries in the black and decker 20 volt string trimmer? Was looking into purchasing the black and decker string trimmer as a bare tool as I already have two PC chargers and five PC batteries. Thanks for any feed back

Why can I not purchase a 5&1 half inch porter cable 20 volt cordless circular saw with a couple of batteries and charger as a kit by itself at a reasonable price ? I already have all the other tools. If this combo is available, please tell me where it can be purchased. Or, if not, why not ???

I use these tools on a dailly basis, have everything but the wet saw. Would like a blower to like the Milwaukee set, hopefully soon. Also life indicators on batteries would be a great plus. Other than that. Love the tools. I use them on average of 14 hours a day 6-7 days a week. I abuse the heck out of them. If they cant keep up with the demands of a working contractor, then there not worth having. Only once out of the years of using PC, have i had a problem with a tool. About 2 months after i bought a set, the 2nd gear spun out of the drill. I still have the drill, and still use it. It was an 18 volt when they first came out. I run my 20v max batteries in my 18 set because for the hand vacuum that they dont offer. For about $3 you can make an adapter plate that slides in and lets you use both types of batteries.

fred on The Best Hook and Pick Set?: “Moody also make spring hooks and sets: https://www.amazon.com/Threaded-Spring-Tool-Kit-Light/dp/B0026GI62A/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B0026GI62A&qid=1558784803&s=industrial&sr=1-1”